An album based band in a track based world.

When most people today buy music, They buy it track by track. Because of this, most bands write music based upon the track, not the album. Arcade Fire is not like most bands, when they write an album they write it as an album, not a bunch of singles smashed together.

Funeral, the bands debut album, doesn't have a bad song on it in my opinion. The reason for this statement being the fact that I've listened to Funeral as an album so many times that I enjoy every song and it's place in the story told by the album. Each song on this album was written as a part of the story that the album has to tell. Of all the songs on this album, Wake Up seems to be the most popular, in a way it has become Arcade Fire's anthem of sorts. Even though it sounds cliche, I'm going to say that listening to this album is an experience.

Neon Bible, Arcade Fire's sophomore album, talks a lot about organized religions and some of the hypocrisy that exists within it. It was really cool to listen to this album all the way through and gain insight from the unique perspective that's offered when fully experiencing this album. I found the song Intervention especially moving, Give it a listen and see what you think.  

The Suburbs, The third album released by Arcade Fire, tells a story of life growing up in the suburbs. It's absolutely brilliant lyrically, the words sung really paint a picture that you can become a part of. As you listen you really become immersed in the story and feel like a part of it. It's an emotional journey, I know I sound super cliche when I say that, but trust me, it is. Better yet, listen to it for yourself, you won't regret it.


The newest release by Arcade Fire is an album called Reflektor. Reflektor is a double album, a two disc set. The first disc seems to be just a lot of fun to me. The songs do have meaning and they all connect, but it's the second disc that really tells the story. Awful Sound (Oh Eurydice) and It's Never Over (Hey Orpheus) retell the ancient myth of Orpheus and Eurydice which you can read about by clicking here. Followed by that double header is a song called Porno. I know the name sounds questionable, but it is a great song all about insecurities and how terrible it is that we objectify women so heavily nowadays. Then come Afterlife and Supersymmetry. I'm not going to talk about these much because you need to listen to fully understand.

Every one of the albums is masterfully crafted and tells an individual story with a unique style. There are definitely great singles in all of these albums, but that's not the point. Arcade Fire has a very special talent when it comes to telling stories in their music. Anyone can write lyrics that tell a story, but very few artists can take you on an emotional journey the way Arcade Fire can.

I recently had the opportunity to see Arcade Fire in concert and the experience literally changed my life for the better. I needed that concert, and I didn't realize how much it would affect me going into it.

Arcade Fire is a band that is extremely important to me and I hope you can be moved by their music as much as I have.

Cheers,
    Michael

P.S. if you love arcade fire as much as I do, share this post on your preferred social media site so your friends can learn to love them too.

I suck a lot, don't I?

So it's been three months and 10 days since I've posted... I have plenty of good excuses I promise. I just thought I'd say that I saw arcade fire in concert on Wednesday and it was pretty much the best thing of my life. If you have something you want me to review or write about please post a comment below. Thanks for everything!

Cheers,
    Michael

One at a Time

The album cover for UMO's self titled debut album

    One at a Time is a song by the group Unknown Mortal Orchestra (UMO). UMO was my gateway into psychedelic rock and they have a great sound that very closely resembles the sound of psychedelic rock groups of the sixties and seventies.

    One at a time begins with a crazy guitar riff that you can't help but jam to. Then comes the vocals of Ruban Nielson who has a very distinct voice. UMO seems to keep it sweet and simple, their music is very easy listening even if you're new to psychedelic rock. This is why I would recommend them if you want to start listening to psychedelic rock but don't know where to start.

    UMO is just really easy to jam to and I dream of seeing them in concert someday. I highly recommend any of their music. Give it a listen and I hope you like it!

    And as always, If you have a song, album, or artist you want me to post about feel free to drop a comment on this post.

Cheers,
    Michael

I'm sorry.

I could make a million excuses about why I haven't posted in over two months, but that's all they would be. Excuses. So I'm just going to get back on track and post at least once a week on Wednesdays.

Cheers,
    Michael

Explosions In The Sky

Nothing is more enlightening and refreshing than going on a walk in the cool November night air while listening to Explosions in the Sky. Explosions in the Sky are a post rock band based in Houston Texas. Their music is extremely inspirational, meaningful, and emotional even though it's purely instrumental.

They have eight full length albums including "The Earth is Not a Cold Dead Place" and the official soundtrack for the movie Friday Night Lights. I highly recommend listening to their music but when you do choose an album of theirs and listen to it from start to finish.

Explosions in the sky is the perfect music for any occasion. Whether you're happy or sad, seeking spiritual, emotional, or intellectual enlightenment, it really fits any mood. How you hear the song seems to reflect and amplify your current mood whatever it may be. I can listen to the same one of their songs several times and perceive the feeling of the song differently every time. There is something truly profound about their music.

I love they way that these guys think. They have a very rare mentality when it comes to music as well as life. I love the fact that you can read the story behind each one of their albums under the discography tab on their website.

Once again if you liked this post give it a +1 and share it using the buttons below. It's much appreciated!

Cheers,
    Michael